THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family! Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX® ServSwitch™ Brand KVM switch! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch will save you money, time, and effort. That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the traditional, expensive model of computer management.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, ServSwitch, ServSwitch Ultra, Matrix ServSwitch, and ServManager are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation. Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and Apple Desktop Bus and ADB are trademarks, of Apple Computer, Inc. ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.™ Compaq and Alpha are registered trademarks, and DEC is a trademark, of Compaq Computer Corporation.
FCC/IC STATEMENTS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. 3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. 4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas. 5.
NOM STATEMENT 12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada. 13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato. 14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante. 15.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Contents Chapter Page 1. Specifications ........................................................................................... 10 2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 2.1 The Complete Package ..................................................................... 2.2 Operating Features ........................................................................... 2.3 The Front Panel ..............................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 4. 5. Page Operation: Hardware and Commands (continued) 4.3 The Commands in Detail (continued) 4.3.9 Identify ROM ......................................................................... 4.3.10 Send [Stop] ........................................................................... 4.3.11 Display Label ......................................................................... 4.3.12 Activate On-Screen Menus ................................................... 4.3.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Contents (continued) Chapter 5. 6. 8 Page Operation: On-Screen Display (continued) 5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page (continued) 5.4.2 Configure Overlay: Computer Select Window .................... 5.4.2.A Background Color and Text Color ........................ 5.4.2.B Position ..................................................................... 5.4.3 Configure Overlay: Computer Label ................................... 5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color ........................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix Page Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults ......................................................... 85 A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings ........................................................... 85 A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings ................................................... 86 Appendix B: Cable Product Codes ................................................................ 88 Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port ...............................................................
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 1. Specifications Hardware Required — Monitor that supports your computers’ highest video standard; in multiplatform applications, should be a multisync model capable of forming video from either composite sync or separate horizontal and vertical sync signals (see Section 4.1.
CHAPTER 1: Specifications Maximum Distance — Depending on the CPU, monitor, and video resolution (see Section 4.1.3), either: 20 ft. (6.1 m) of original Serv cable from any ServSwitch Ultra to any device attached to it, with not more than 40 ft. (12.2 m) of total original Serv cable between any CPU and any user station; or 20 ft. (6.1 m) of coaxial cable—possibly as much as 100 ft. (30.5 m), depending on CPUs—from any ServSwitch Ultra to any device attached to it; Also, 50 ft. (15.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Connectors — All rear-mounted; (1) RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female: RS-232; (1) DB25 female: MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE; (1) Power inlet: KV5002MA-R2: 5-pin DIN female; All other models: IEC 320 male; DB25 female CPU ports: KV5002MA-R2: (2); KV5004SA-R2: (4); KV5008SA-R2, KV5008FA-R2: (8); KV5012FA-R2: (12); KV5016FA-R2: (16) Power — KV5002MA-R2: From wallmount external power supply (type may vary, refer to labeling on transformer): Either: Input: 90 to 260 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz, 65 to 130 mA; O
CHAPTER 1: Specifications Size — KV5002MA-R2: 1.8" (1U) H x 8.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 22.5 x 12.4 cm); KV5004SA-R2, KV5008SA-R2: 1.8" (1U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (4.5 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm); KV5008FA-R2, KV5012FA-R2, KV5016FA-R2: 3.5" (2U) H x 16.8"W x 4.8"D (8.9 x 42.5 x 12.4 cm) Weight — KV5002MA-R2: 2 lb. (0.9 kg); KV5004SA-R2: 3 lb. (1.4 kg); KV5008SA-R2: 4 lb. (1.8 kg); KV5008FA-R2: 5 lb. (2.3 kg); KV5012FA-R2, KV5016FA-R2: 6 lb. (2.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 2. Introduction Thank you for choosing a ServSwitch Ultra™. Designed with your needs in mind, your new Switch will simplify your job by helping you organize your multiplecomputer application.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction • Supports SVGA, color or monochrome XGA or VGA, Apple, Sun, RS/6000, and SGI video at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 noninterlaced (although all video types except VGA and Apple low-res require coaxial or special cables).Note that in a multiplatform environment, you will need a multisync monitor capable of syncing to the output of all your CPUs’ video cards and of supporting their highest resolutions; refer to Section 4.1.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 2.3 The Front Panel The front panels of the ServSwitch Ultra feature two or three pushbutton switches and several LED indicators. To familiarize yourself with these controls and indicators, refer to Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 below and the descriptions that follow on the next page. ON/OFF 1 POWER 2 3 4 SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER SELECT POWER Figure 2-1. The front panel of a KV5x04M model (mini) 4 to 1 ServSwitch Ultra. Power 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 Figure 2-2.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction Panel Label Description POWER (left) Main Power LED: Lights to indicate that unit is powered ON. ON/OFF 2-port units only: Press this button to turn the ServSwitch ON or OFF. [Numbered] CPU Status LEDs: Numbered pairs of LEDs indicate the status of the CPU or submaster (cascaded) Serv device connected to the corresponding port on the rear panel: SELECT or [unlabeled left] (red) Lights if the corresponding port is the currently selected port.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 2.4 The Rear Panel All cable connections are made at the rear panel of the ServSwitch Ultra, as illustrated in Figures 2-4 and 2-5 and described below. CPU3 CPU4 CPU1 CPU2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 POWER 17VAC CT Figure 2-4. The rear panel of a 2 to 1 ServSwitch Ultra (KV5002MA-R2). POWER CPU 15 CPU 16 CPU 13 CPU 14 CPU 11 CPU 12 CPU 9 CPU 10 CPU 7 CPU 8 CPU 5 CPU 6 CPU 3 CPU 4 CPU 1 CPU 2 MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE RS-232 Figure 2-5.
CHAPTER 2: Introduction Panel Label Connector or Control Description CPU N DB25 F For each submaster you plan to connect, you must have an Expansion Cable; you must have an Adapter Cable for each CPU you plan to connect. See Section 2.5. (continued) NOTE The 2-port (mini) chassis has 4 CPU N connector slots; the slimline-model chassis has 8 of these slots, and the full-size chassis has 16 of them.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 2.5 Cable Requirements Many switches of this type have what seems like ten million connectors on their rear panels: one for each CPU’s video cable, one for each keyboard cable, and a third for each mouse cable. The potential for tangling or mismatching cables is high. By contrast, you can connect the ServSwitch Ultra to your CPUs with one CPU Cable (also called a “CPU Adapter Cable”) for each CPU. This single cable reaches the CPU’s video-output, keyboard, and mouse ports.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3. Installation 3.1 Quick Setup Guide Figure 3-1, below, shows a basic example of connecting a CPU, a submaster, a keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse to the ServSwitch unit. IBM PC equipment is shown, but the basic principles will be similar for all equipment types. Connectors will vary depending on the types of equipment you are installing. Figure 3-1. Basic system setup for a slimline 8-port unit.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 3.2 Installation Procedure This section provides complete instructions for the hardware setup of a single ServSwitch Ultra. (For detailed instructions on the capabilities and concerns involved in installing a cascaded Switch system, see Section 3.3; to make troubleshooting the installation easier, we recommend that you check the master and each submaster as it is installed, rather than installing all units, then checking the entire cascade.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.3 CONNECTING CPUS CPU Cables run from the ServSwitch to the keyboard port, mouse port, and videooutput port of each CPU you want to directly attach to it. Different types of this cable fit the connectors on different computers (see Appendix B). This cable also comes in the different lengths supported by different applications (see Section 4.1.3). CAUTION! Avoid routing cable near fluorescent lights, air-conditioning compressors, or machines that may create electrical noise.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA CAUTION! Do not attach docking stations for older models of the ThinkPad® or other portable computers to the ServSwitch Ultra. The Switch currently supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data, but older ThinkPad models have to see “prompt mode” (burst-on-request) mouse data. Some newer docking stations and some newer ThinkPad models might work with the Switch, but determining whether a particular unit will do so will probably require trial and error. 3.2.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.5 POWERING UP THE SYSTEM 3.2.5.A Initial Steps 1A. 2-port model (KV5002MA-R2): Making sure that the connected CPUs and any connected submasters are OFF (powered down), take the output cord of the ServSwitch Ultra’s power supply and plug its 5-pin DIN male connector into the power jack on the rear panel of the Switch. Plug the power supply’s input cord into a working outlet. 1B.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA keyboard and reattach the keyboard strand of the CPU cable; you can now use the Switch’s on-screen menu system (see Section 5.1) to change the keyboard settings of the all of your CPU ports to “Sun” (see Section 5.3). 4. Power up the rest of the directly connected CPUs and any connected submasters one by one, giving each one time to boot completely before turning ON the next one.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 3.2.6 CHANGING THE KEYBOARD SETTING OF WINDOWS NT 4.0 CPUS If any CPUs attached to your ServSwitch Ultra are running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, you must change the keyboard setting in their Control Panel from the default, “Microsoft Enhanced Keyboard,” to “Standard 101/102 or Microsoft Natural Keyboard.” Your ServSwitch system will not work with these CPUs unless their keyboard settings are changed. To do this, take these steps: 1.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 3.3 Cascading in ServSwitch Ultra Systems In a normal cascaded ServSwitch Ultra system, the shared monitor(s), keyboard(s), and mouse (mice) are directly attached to one or more “master” ServSwitch Ultras, while all the CPUs are indirectly attached through “submasters” (subsidiary ServSwitch Ultras, regular ServSwitches, ServManagers, etc.) that provide port expansion but may or may not perform any control functions of their own.
CHAPTER 3: Installation can only be accessed by the monitors, keyboards, and mice on that master. Note that when we say that CPUs 1 through 8 are “shared,” we mean that they can be accessed by either master at different times, not by both masters simultaneously.) Adding a third 4-port submaster unit would give you a total of 17 ports, and so on. (To reach all of the CPUs in cascaded systems like this, you must set Maximum computers, Width, and Units properly on the master unit; see Sections 5.2.3 through 5.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA • You must not cascade submasters to more than one “layer.” That is, you may connect submasters to the CPU ports of one or (with Matrix ServSwitch submasters) two master ServSwitches, but do not connect any submasters to submasters’ CPU ports. To illustrate this restriction, let’s say you’ve installed a four-port submaster on a four-port ServSwitch master and you have a four-port submaster yet to install.
CHAPTER 3: Installation • If you are attaching more than one submaster to a slimline or full-size master ServSwitch Ultra, we strongly recommend that all of the submasters have the same number of ports. This is because the Switch’s “Expansion width” command/parameter—the value it uses to calculate how many ports each attached submaster has (see Section 5.2.5)—is global rather than submasterspecific.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA When you’re ready to begin hooking up the actual units, follow these steps: 1. If this hasn’t already been done, connect the monitor(s), keyboard(s), and mouse (mice) to the MONITOR/KEYBOARD/MOUSE port(s) of your master device(s) as outlined in Section 3.2.2. 2. Use ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cables (see Section 3.2.4) to connect all your submaster units to the master unit’s CPU ports, beginning with the port labeled CPU 1 and continuing with CPU 2, CPU 3, etc.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 8. You might need to set some or all of each master’s remaining configuration parameters, especially the keyboard mode for some of your ports (see Sections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.6 through 5.2.10). 9. Save the configuration changes you just made to the master unit’s nonvolatile memory as described in Section 5.1.3. Your cascaded ServSwitch Ultra system should now be ready for operation.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4. Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands The first part of this chapter, Section 4.1, gives you some guidelines that you should follow to make sure your ServSwitch Ultra works properly with your equipment. Section 4.2 summarizes the ServSwitch Ultra’s keyboard commands, and Section 4.3 describes these commands in detail. Section 4.4 outlines how you can select ports or upgrade firmware from an optional computer or terminal connected to the ServSwitch Ultra’s RS-232 port.
CHAPTER 3: Installation 4.1.2 MOUSE AND KEYBOARD When you power up your ServSwitch Ultra system, make sure that your CPUs, mouse (mice), and keyboard(s) are properly cabled to the Switch (or to the appropriate master or submaster unit). When you boot up your CPUs, the master(s) and/or submasters to which they are connected should already be ON.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA • Because the ServSwitch Ultra currently only supports “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data, but older IBM ThinkPad models have to handle mouse data in “prompt mode” (burst-on-request), don’t try to attach any older ThinkPad computers to the Switch, either directly or through docking stations.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Table 4-1. Keyboard Mapping by the ServSwitch Ultra Generally, the ServSwitch Ultra interprets keys by their positions on the keyboard, so any keys that occupy more or less the same positions and perform more or less the same functions across platforms will map one-to-one.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4.1.3 MONITOR If all of your CPUs are of the same type, we recommend that you use the corresponding type of monitor. If your CPUs are of different types, the monitor must be a multisync model, able to sync to every CPU’s video-output frequencies, and compatible with all of the CPUs’ video cards.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands The ServSwitch Ultra will support SVGA (Super VGA) video, but with original Serv cables the video quality will decrease markedly at higher resolutions and distances. Table 4-2, below, illustrates this. The distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA By contrast, coaxial cables (standard for Sun applications, required for XGA applications, and recommended for most other applications) do much better at maintaining video quality, as shown in Table 4-3 below. (For the meaning of quality numbers 3, 2, and 1, see the bottom of page 39.) As before, the distances in the table are total cable lengths measured from the CPU to the monitor.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.2 Keyboard-Command Summary Table 4-4 below and on the next two pages summarizes the commands that can be sent to the ServSwitch Ultra. To enter any command at the shared keyboard, first press and release the left Control key, represented by “[Ctrl].” (This cues the Switch to look for commands from that keyboard.) Then enter the command followed by any arguments you wish to specify (the port number, for example).
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Table 4-4. The ServSwitch Ultra’s Keyboard Commands (continued) Command Keystroke Sequence Description Scan OFF [Ctrl] X Turns Scan mode OFF (the port being scanned at the time the command is entered is given access to the shared monitor, keyboard, and mouse). Note: Scan can also be stopped by entering a Select Port command.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands Command Keystroke Sequence Activate Select [Ctrl] [ESC] Window Log Out [Ctrl] L Description Causes the ServSwitch Ultra to display its “computer select window” (see Section 5.5). Logs out the current user if an access password has been set; video is blanked and keyboard and mouse input is locked until a user enters the access password. If no access password has been set, turns on the screen saver. 4.3 The Commands in Detail 4.3.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA of the keyboard marked with [–] and [_]). The command is not case-sensitive. Do not use the [+] and [–] keys on the keyboard’s numeric pad; the Switch doesn’t recognize these. You can also select the next or previous port manually from the ServSwitch Ultra’s front panel by pushing the button labeled “ ” or “ ” respectively (“+” or “–” on the 2-port units). Each time you press the button, the next or previous port in sequence is selected. 4.3.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.6 TRANSPOSE COMMAND AND ALT KEYS This command is designed to make life easier for people used to the Sun or Mac keyboard who now need to use a Windows 95/Windows 98 style (104/105-key) PC type shared keyboard, or vice versa.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA mouse but don’t disable the mouse either, take these precautions: • If you never actually use the mouse with the CPU (as would probably be the case if, for example, the CPU were a Novell® NetWare® file server), either don’t plug the mouse strand of the CPU Adapter Cable into the CPU’s mouse port, or don’t load a mouse driver at all. If you do use the mouse, are running Windows 3.x, and sometimes exit to DOS, make sure you load a DOS mouse driver before running Windows.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.3.9 IDENTIFY ROM Unfortunately, as with all complex equipment, problems might arise with your ServSwitch Ultra that require the assistance of technical-support personnel. One of the things technicians might want to know when they attempt to diagnose and correct your problem is the revision level of your Switch’s ROM.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4.3.12 ACTIVATE ON-SCREEN MENUS You can use this command to cause the ServSwitch Ultra to display its on-screen overlay menus, beginning with the main menu (see Section 5.1.1). To issue the Activate On-Screen Menus command, press and release the left Control key, then press and release the [F12] key. 4.3.13 ACTIVATE SELECT WINDOW You can use this command to cause the ServSwitch Ultra to display its “computer select window” (see Section 5.5).
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.4 Using the RS-232 Port 4.4.1 CONNECTING EQUIPMENT TO THE PORT For your convenience, a computer or terminal with a TIA RS-232 serial port can be connected to the RS-232 serial port (RJ-12 connector) on the ServSwitch Ultra’s rear panel (see Appendix C for a pinout of this connector).
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4.4.2 SWITCHING PORTS REMOTELY (OPTIONAL) To switch ports on a ServSwitch Ultra from a remote computer or terminal attached to the Switch’s RS-232 port, take these steps: 1. Set your computer for serial communication at 9600 bps, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. 2. To switch the ServSwitch Ultra to a different port, use a terminal-emulation program to type or send the desired port number followed by [Enter] (a return).
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 4.4.3 UPGRADING THE FIRMWARE (FLASH MEMORY) The ServSwitch Ultra has flash memory, which means its firmware may be reloaded (upgraded) in order to support new features or fix any problems in its operation. To get new firmware revisions when they become available, you can download them from our Web site at www.blackbox.com. For -R2 level ServSwitch Ultras, filenames will follow these formats: “UPxx.HEX,” where “xx” = the x.x firmware-revision level.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4. Use the terminal program’s “send text file” or “upload” function to send the new firmware file to the Switch, using the same protocol you would to send an ASCII text file (not XMODEM, ZMODEM, etc.). The Switch will send back a series of ASCII period (“.”) characters (decimal 46, hex 2E) that shows the progress of the file-copying procedure. It will also flash LED 1 or 4 (depending on the data rate).
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands 5. If the file transfer is successful, press the space bar on the PC’s keyboard. LED 2 will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch Ultra begins reprogramming its flash memory with the new firmware. It should send the message: Programming flash This will be followed by another series of ASCII periods that shows the progress of the flash-reprogramming procedure.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 4.4.3.B Upgrading the Firmware with the DOS COPY Command Alternatively, you can, if you choose, upgrade a unit’s firmware with the DOS COPY command. Use caution: The ServSwitch Ultra will attempt to send text messages back to you during this process, but DOS has no way of properly receiving and displaying them; what’s more, this “unexpected” serial data could cause your computer to crash. If you want to use this method anyway, take these steps: 1.
CHAPTER 4: Operation: Hardware and Keyboard Commands light. If, however, an error occurs, LED 2 will remain dark, and there is a chance that the computer will lock up (you might have to reboot). If the computer is OK, you’ll have to go back to step 3. If the second attempt doesn’t work, call Black Box for technical support. 5. If the copy process works, press and release the “ ”/“+” button again. LED 2 will go dark briefly while the ServSwitch Ultra programs and verifies its flash memory.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5. Operation: On-Screen Display 5.1 Overview You can use the ServSwitch Ultra’s on-screen display to: 1. Configure the ServSwitch Ultra through a series of configuration menus (triggered with the [Ctrl] [F12] command, where [Ctrl] is the left Control key). 2. Switch to different computers from a window which shows a list of computer names (triggered with the [Ctrl] [ESC] command, where [Ctrl] is the left Control key). You can change the color and position of this window. 3.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display This menu and all other on-screen display windows appear “on top of” your computer video, assuming you are switched to a computer with active video. (If no video is present, then the background is black.) If the display is not synchronized, then you should switch to a computer with active video and configure the resolution setting from the “Configure overlay” page. 5.1.2 NAVIGATING THE CONFIGURATION PAGES Using the on-screen display is very easy and intuitive.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.2 The “Configure System” Page Use this page, shown in Figure 5-2 below, to view and change keyboard-type, mouse, expansion, scan, and keyboard-typematic settings. Access it from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure system” is highlighted.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display be displayed here as “US,” “US/UNIX,” “French,” “Danish,” “German,” “Italian,” “Netherlands/Dutch,” “Norwegian,” “Portuguese,” “Spanish,” “Swedish/Finnish,” “Swiss-French,” “Swiss-German,” “United Kingdom,” “Korean,” “Taiwan,” “Japan,” “French-Canadian,” or “unknown.” (If the system is booted with no keyboard attached, the Switch will tell Sun CPUs that the keyboard language is “U.S.”) 5.2.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA “PS/2 wheel” mice, such as the Microsoft IntelliMouse, are similar to regular mice, but have a clickable and scrollable wheel control instead of a middle button. “Serial 2-button mouse” refers to those mice that have serial RS-232 interfaces (usually with a DB9 connector), are Microsoft compatible, and use a 3-byte, 7-bit, 1200-bps, no-parity data format. Most PC serial mice with two buttons fall into this category.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.3 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: MAXIMUM COMPUTERS This setting corresponds to the number of computers (CPUs) connected to the ServSwitch Ultra system. It comes in handy when you are cascading, or are only using some of the CPU ports on a single Switch: When the Switch knows how many CPUs there are, it can handle switching and scanning more intelligently.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.2.4 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: EXPANSION UNITS This setting corresponds to the number of “submaster” (expansion) Serv units that are connected to the main master ServSwitch Ultra. It helps to determine which CPU number is associated with which physical connector. If you aren’t cascading, this number should be set to zero. If one submaster is connected, the value should be set to one, and so on. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Expansion units” is highlighted.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.2.6 CONFIGURE SYSTEM: SCAN TIME This item determines the time, in seconds, that the ServSwitch Ultra will pause at each of the computers when scanning. The factory-default setting is 5 seconds. To change the scan time, press [Enter] while “Scan time” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new value from 1 to 999 seconds and hit [Enter]. (You can also set this value to zero to disable scanning completely.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Table 3-1. Typematic Rate Rate Value 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Actual Rate in Keystrokes per Second Rate Value Actual Rate in Keystrokes per Second 2 2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7 3 3.3 3.7 4 4.3 4.6 5 5.5 6 6.7 7.5 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 8 8.6 9.2 10 10.9 12 13.3 15 16 17.1 18.5 20 21.8 24 26.7 30 5.2.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3 The “Configure Computers” Page Use this page to set the name, keyboard type, and mouse type for each of the ServSwitch Ultra’s CPU ports. Access it from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure computers” is highlighted. The page is shown below in Figure 5-5. (The arrow in the column after the computer number points to the currently selected computer.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.3.1 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: COMPUTER NAME Each computer can be given a name consisting of up to 16 characters. These names appear as labels in the “Computer select” window (see Section 5.5). To change a computer name, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Computer name” field is highlighted. An “Input new name” box appears, as shown in Figure 5-6 below. (The default computer names are “Computer n,” where n is the port number, also as shown below.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.3.2 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: KEYBOARD Use this field to tell the ServSwitch Ultra what type of keyboard or keyboard mode (PC mode 1, 2, or 3, Apple, or Sun) a given CPU uses. To change a CPU port’s keyboard mode, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Keyboard” field is highlighted. A keyboard-mode input box appears, as shown in Figure 5-7 below.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Once all of your CPU ports have been configured for the proper keyboard mode, make sure you save the changes. 5.3.3 CONFIGURE COMPUTERS: MOUSE Use this field to tell the ServSwitch Ultra what type of mouse a given IBM PC compatible CPU uses. The factory default is “PS/2” (non-wheel). To change a CPU port’s mouse type, press [Enter] while the corresponding “Mouse” field is highlighted. A mouse-type input box appears, as shown in Figure 5-8 below.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4 The “Configure Overlay” Page Use this page to set the color of the configuration menus, the resolution of video generated by the ServSwitch Ultra, the type and timing of the Switch-generated screen saver, the appearance of the “Computer select” window, and the appearance of the Switch-generated computer label (see Section 5.4.3.A). Access this page, shown in Figure 5-9 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure overlay” is highlighted.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.4.1.B Resolution This item gives you maximum monitor-type flexibility by determining the resolution and refresh rate of the video signal that the ServSwitch Ultra sends to the shared monitor while the unit isn’t receiving any video from the CPU.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4.1.D Screen-Saver Time This item determines how long (in seconds) the ServSwitch Ultra waits for sharedkeyboard or -mouse activity before turning on its screen saver. The factory-default value for this option is 600 seconds (10 minutes). To change the screen-saver time, press [Enter] while “Screen saver time” is highlighted. An “Input new value” box appears. Use the shared keyboard’s number keys to input a new number of seconds from 0 to 999, then hit [Enter].
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA The range of horizontal (X) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 64. The range of vertical (Y) movement is represented by the numbers 0 to 99. The window will wrap around the edge of the screen at minimum and maximum points. Factory defaults are X=3, Y=3. 5.4.3 CONFIGURE OVERLAY: COMPUTER LABEL 5.4.3.A Background Color and Text Color These items determine the background and text colors of the computer label.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display 5.4.3.C Show Computer Number This item determines whether or not the computer number is displayed along with the computer label. To change this setting, press [Enter] while “Show computer number” is highlighted. A yes/no input box appears. Use the arrow keys to select “Yes” or “No” and hit [Enter]. The input box disappears and the new setting appears in the “Show computer number” field. Factory default is “Yes.” 5.4.3.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.5 The “Configure Security” Page Use this page to set security options for the ServSwitch Ultra. Access this page, shown in Figure 5-10 below, from the main menu by hitting [Enter] when “Configure security” is highlighted. Configure security Security Configuration password Access password Access time New password ******** ******** 999 Protects access to configuration menu, up to 8 characters Figure 5-10. The “Configure security” page. 5.5.
CHAPTER 5: Operation: On-Screen Display ServSwitch Ultra will begin displaying its currently selected screen saver (see Section 5.4.1.C) over the whole screen.. The Switch will not display any computer video, nor will it accept any keyboard commands, until a user logs in by entering the access password. (The “Enter password” box—but nothing else—will reappear as soon as a user begins typing in a password.) Factory default is no password. 5.5.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 5.6 The “Computer Select Window” You can bring up a “computer select window” on the shared monitor’s screen to select a specific computer from a list of computers attached to the ServSwitch Ultra. Access the window, shown in Figure 5-11 below, by pressing and releasing the left [Ctrl] key and then hitting the [Esc] (escape) key. The arrow in the column after the computer number points to the currently selected computer.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6. Troubleshooting The first two sections of this chapter discuss things to try when problems arise in a ServSwitch Ultra system. If the trouble you’re having with the Switch is something you haven’t seen before, or if the trouble seems minor, try the procedures detailed in Section 6.1 before doing anything else. The second section of this chapter suggests possible causes of and solutions to frequently encountered problems; if the trouble is chronic, see Section 6.2. Sections 6.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 6.2 Common Problems 6.2.1 A CPU CONNECTED TO YOUR SERVSWITCH ULTRA OR A SUBMASTER DOESN’T BOOT, AND YOU GET A KEYBOARD OR MOUSE ERROR A. First make sure your ServSwitch Ultra and (if one is involved) your submaster are plugged in and powered up. B. If the Switch and submaster are ON, check the master’s configuration. The keyboard and mouse settings for that CPU might not be correct. C. If the configuration is OK, check your cables. Tighten any loose connections.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.2 YOU CAN’T SWITCH PORTS FROM THE KEYBOARD A. Can you do anything from the keyboard? If not, the keyboard strand of your MKM cable has probably come loose. Reconnect it. B. The ServSwitch Ultra might have lost power for less than three seconds. (This can cause the keyboard to lock up.) Disconnect the keyboard and plug it back in. C. The keyboard might simply have gotten a little off kilter.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 6.2.5 THE SERVSWITCH ULTRA SCANS OR SWITCHES TO EMPTY OR NONEXISTENT PORTS A. The “Maximum computers” setting is too high. (If any of the CPUs you can access are receiving garbage characters, this is a good indicator.) Set Maximum Ports to match the number of CPUs in your system. See Section 5.2.3. B. The “Expansion units” and/or “Expansion width” setting is wrong.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.9 YOUR MOUSE DOESN’T MOVE THE POINTER/CURSOR A. What type of mouse is it? If it is any IBM PC type other than those listed as being supported in item A under Section 6.2.6, chances are that the ServSwitch Ultra doesn’t support it. B. The mouse might not be configured properly. C. Your mouse must be connected to a powered ServSwitch Ultra when the CPUs are booted and when mouse applications are run.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA E. The CPU is sending video with sync on green, which the ServSwitch Ultra does not currently support. Call Black Box for technical support. F. If the video problem is not centered on the monitor, check the video strands of your cables. Tighten any loose connections. G. If no cable connectors are loose, begin swapping your cables one at a time. If the problem goes away when you substitute a cable, the old cable is probably defective. H.
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting 6.2.16 THE SERVSWITCH ULTRA DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR DONGLE-PROTECTED SOFTWARE The ServSwitch Ultra does not support keyboard-line dongles (the devices required to be inserted into the keyboard line by some software for copy protection). 6.2.17 THE SERVSWITCH ULTRA DOESN’T WORK WITH YOUR IBM THINKPAD The Switch supports only “stream mode” (continuous) mouse data.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA 6.3 Calling Black Box If you determine that your ServSwitch Ultra is malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500. Before you do, make a record of the history of the problem. We will be able to provide more efficient and accurate assistance if you have a complete description, including: • the nature and duration of the problem. • when the problem occurs.
APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults Appendix A: NVRAM Factory Defaults A.1 Keyboard-Command Settings The table below shows, for the ServSwitch Ultra’s keyboard-command configuration options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) when the ServSwitch Ultra is shipped from the factory.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA A.2 On-Screen Configuration Settings The table below and on the next page shows, for the ServSwitch Ultra’s saveable on-screen display options, the default values stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) when the ServSwitch is shipped from the factory. Option System Keyboard Mouse Maximum computers Expansion units Expansion width Scan time Scan mode Power-On Scan Typematic rate Typematic delay 86 Default setting PC 104/105 PS/2 2-port models: 4; Other models: No.
APPENDIX A: NVRAM Factory Defaults Option Default setting Computer label Background color Text color Position Show computer number Fade out Font Transparent blue White X=3, Y=90 Yes 5 seconds 16x24 modern Security Configuration password Access password Access time None None 999 seconds (16 hours, 39 minutes) 87
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Appendix B: Cable Product Codes The tables below and on the next two pages list the product codes for all the types of cables we currently offer for use with the ServSwitch Ultra. The four digits that follow the dash in each product code indicate how long each cable is in feet (one foot = 30.5 cm). For most of these cables, xxx’s are shown in place of the last three digits of the product code because the cables come in several stock lengths.
APPENDIX B: Cable Product Codes Coaxial User Cables: Monitor Type (Connector on Cable) Keyboard Type (Connector on Cable) Mouse Type (Connector on Cable) Product Code VGA (HD15 female) IBM PC/AT (5-pin DIN female) Serial RS-232 (DB9 male) EHN270-0xxx VGA (HD15 female) IBM PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) PS/2 (6-pin mini-DIN female) EHN283-0xxx Mac (DB15 female) Mac (4-pin mini-DIN female) N/A EHN202-0xxx Multisync (HD15 female) Mac (4-pin mini-DIN female) N/A EHN540-0xxx Sun (13W3 female) Su
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Original ServSwitch to ServSwitch Expansion Cable: EHN055-0001 Coaxial ServSwitch-to-ServSwitch Expansion Cable: EHN274-0xxx 6-wire straight-through-pinned flat-satin cable with RJ-12 connectors for communicating with ServSwitch Ultra through its RS-232 port: EL06MS-MM (specify length) Mac Adapter for ServSwitch: KV99MA Station Extenders: CPU to ServSwitch Ultra (RS-232 Mouse): AC254A ServSwitch Ultra to Station (RS-232 Mouse): AC255A CPU to ServSwitch Ultra (PS/2 Style Mouse): AC257A
APPENDIX C: Pinout of RS-232 Port Appendix C: Pinout of RS-232 Port The table below shows the pinout of the ServSwitch Ultra’s RJ-12 (“6-wire RJ-11”) female RS-232 port. 2 Pin 5 1 1 6 8 Signal Name Abbrev.
SERVSWITCH™ ULTRA Appendix D: The LK461 Keyboard Some of the computers manufactured by Compaq® subsidiary Digital Equipment Corporation come with a special keyboard called the DEC LK461. The ServSwitch Ultra supports this keyboard by passing through unaltered the scan codes of certain proprietary keys (such as [Help] and [Do]) and remapping others (such as [PF1] through [PF4]). The ServSwitch Ultra maps the special keys of the LK461 as shown in the table below.
APPENDIX E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch Ultra Appendix E: Rackmounting the ServSwitch Ultra If you want to mount your ServSwitch Ultra in a 19", 23", or 24" rack, make sure you get the right ServSwitch Rackmounting Kit: product code RMK19M, RMK23M, or RMK24M respectively for the mini-chassis Switch models, RMK19S, RMK23S, or RMK24S respectively for the slimline-chassis models, or RMK19F, RMK23F, or RMK24F respectively for the full-size-chassis models.
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